9:45 am - Line Up - Candidates and escorts marching in the 10:30 am commencement ceremony should report to your designated location in Hardeman Auditorium in the Garvey Center by 9:45 am with regalia. (no escorts for graduate students) MBA Graduate students will line up in the Art Hallway in the Garvey Center.

1:45 pm - Line Up - Candidates and Escorts marching in the 2:30 pm commencement ceremony should report with regalia to your designated location in Hardeman Auditorium in the Garvey Center by 1:45 pm. (no escorts for graduate students) Graduate students will line up in the Art Hallway in the Garvey Center.

1. RegaliaMen: Suit coats are not required, but ties should be worn. Dark slacks, dark socks, and dark shoes are considered appropriate apparel for academic regalia occasions.

Ladies: Dark clothing should be worn under the black robes. No flowers are to be worn or carried. According to traditions of academic regalia, no jewelry or non-academic accessories should be worn on the outside of the robe; no accessories or decor should be on the cap. The only exceptions are the medallions and cords worn to indicate academic honors (contact your sponsor for further information).

2. PhotographyDuring the ceremony, each candidate will walk across the stage and receive a diploma cover. A photograph will be taken at this point by a professional photographer. Under no circumstances will anyone other than the professional photographer be allowed on the stage to take pictures. Anyone taking pictures from the floor should be careful not to block the aisles. Thank you for your cooperation.

3. Seating for elderly and those with physical limitationsThe Payne Athletic Center will offer plenty of seating for the elderly and those with physical limitations.

4. Seating for guests requiring sign language interpreterIf family members or other guests require the services of an interpreter, the candidate should contact the Registrar’s Office immediately. We will need to request an interpreter. If there is a need, seats will be held with a sign stating: “Reserved for Guests requiring Sign Language Interpretation.”

5. Undergraduate academic honors designations in printed programAt OC, three levels of honors are noted during commencement for undergraduate candidates:

“summa cum laude” - 3.85-4.00 GPA

“magna cum laude” - 3.60-3.84 GPA

“cum laude” - 3.40-3.59 GPA

Undergraduate honors are based on a student’s GPA (as noted above) for courses taken. Honors listed in the graduation program for undergraduate candidates are based on the GPA and hours completed as of the previous term. If the final term’s grades alter the student’s standing, the correct honor will be noted on the transcript and diploma. If you have any concerns or questions, you may check with a representative from the Registrar’s Office. If you are in an honor society, please contact your sponsor about cords or medallions worn at the ceremony.

6. Extra or unusual noises during ceremonyPlease ask your family members and guests to refrain from bringing air horns or other unusual noise-making instruments into the Payne Athletic Center or use during the ceremony. The OC commencement ceremony is not a high school ceremony. Thank you for your cooperation.

7. RecessionalPlease ask your family and guests at the ceremony to remain in their seats until the recessional is finished. Please stay in line with your fellow graduates until you have exited the building.

Information for Degree Candidates

1. Financial arrangementsAll candidates who have NOT conducted an Exit Interview with a representative of the Office of Student Financial Services, OR who have NOT cleared their student account balance, must do so before beginning graduation procedures. If necessary, you may make an appointment with a counselor in the Office of Student Financial Services.

2. DiplomasThe name and mailing address on the graduation forms will be used for the commencement program and to print and mail diplomas. Therefore, you MUST fill out the graduation form in the Registrar’s section of myOC. You will only receive your diploma cover at the ceremony. If the address to which you want your diploma mailed (within two months following commencement) has changed, it is your responsibility to inform the Registrar’s Office. Nothing can be released until you are cleared with Financial Services so please take care of this early.

3. InvitationsInvitations maybe ordered at Senior Salute. After that date, candidates will need to go to www.jostens.com to order invitations.

4. Class ringsClass rings can be ordered at Senior Salute. Rings are at the candidate’s expense.

5. Picking up regaliaAcademic regalia for undergraduate candidates will be available to pick up at Senior Salute.

6. Escorts REQUIRED For Undergraduate CandidatesEvery undergraduate candidate will need to have an escort to line up with them, walk into the ceremony with them, and during the ceremony performing the “hooding” of the candidate. You will want to choose someone who has an important impact on your college career. For example: a parent or spouse.

7. Graduation RegaliaYou may be wondering what to do with your graduation regalia after the ceremony. Graduation caps and gowns will be used in the Mombasa Educational Institute in Mombasa, Kenya. This school provides training in Bible and Ministry, computer operation, and tailoring/dressmaking. It typically rents graduation caps and gowns, so your donation would be a great help to the school. Memorial Road Church of Christ sponsors the training school. We will provide a box where you may discard your cap, gown, and hood.

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

1. QUESTION: What is appropriate attire for guests to wear at commencement? ANSWER: Sunday dress or business casual is the most appropriate attire for guests.

2. QUESTION: With whom do I speak to confirm that I am graduating, confirm the spelling of my name in the commencement program, and/or inform that I am not participating in the ceremony? ANSWER: Contact the Registrar’s Office at 405.425.5200. If a candidate is not participating, university policy requires that the candidate submit a letter to the Registrar’s Office.

3. QUESTION: Is the commencement ceremony streamed online and/or recorded? ANSWER: The ceremony is streamed live online at www.oc.edu/live. It is not recorded.